Retrospective conversion of Scarborough garage to hair salon approved

​The conversion of a garage into a hair salon has been given retrospective approval at 3 Greenfinch Close, Crossgates in Scarborough, following North Yorkshire Council’s decision to give plans the green light.

​According to a statement submitted by a planning agent, the applicant, Mrs Robinson, was “under the impression that this type of development would not require planning consent”.

​“The applicant wishes to place on record that she had no intention of flouting the planning rules and was under the genuine belief that such small-scale activities would not require permission,” it adds.

​The salon will offer haircuts, colours, and styling to customers who are predominantly residents within the local community in which she serves.

Garage Converted Into Hair Salon. Greenfinch Close, Scarborough. Google Maps

​“The applicant had built up an existing client base working in the area until she decided to set up her own business, and therefore her clients, some of whom are elderly, must be able to easily access the salon within the local community,” according to submitted plans.

​The applicant proposed opening hours from 8am to 6pm, Tuesday to Saturday only.

​No objections were made by Seamer Parish Council.

​The Highway Authority said that a suitable level of parking would be maintained within the site, including parking for the operation of the hair salon, and added that the increase in vehicle movements and parking could be accommodated at the site.

​However, the council’s environmental health officers recommended that conditions be imposed to mitigate any impacts on neighbouring residents.

​An officer said: “Hairdressing activities typically generate low-level noise from conversation and hairdryers. However, the property is positioned within a tight residential area, and therefore any commercial activity has the potential to impact on neighbouring amenity.”

​The officer suggested that the council include conditions that cover the hours of operation, a restriction to hairdressing services only, limiting the number of clients, and waste management.

​Planning officers agreed with the recommendation, and said it would be “appropriate to impose conditions in relation to hours of operation, restrictions on hairdressing use only, client number limits”.

​A report states: “It is felt that the current hours of operation are appropriate for the scale of business and residential setting and therefore will be secured by condition.”

​The retrospective application was approved by North Yorkshire Council, subject to conditions.